Grace Beckham | Business Consultant | BAE Systems Digital Intelligence
Whether bundling up last-minute bouquets for an online florist start-up in Singapore, designing steel superstructure for Grade II* listed London prime real estate, or providing IT consulting for UK central government clients, I have enjoyed the consistent thread of tackling problems through creative teamwork in my career so far.
My background in Structural Engineering gave me a solid foundation (pun intended) to grow analytical skills and embed the importance of best practice and industry standards, as well as the dual need for `doing maths` and the ability to communicate and coordinate across a myriad of teams.
I joined BAE Systems Digital Intelligence as a Business Consultant in 2019 and have since enjoyed unpicking processes and identifying problems, learning to ask better questions to determine needs and propose solution options. I have been grateful for opportunities to progress my personal development through achieving the BCS Business Analysis Diploma, obtaining TOGAF Certified and building product experience through the Prod MBA bootcamp.
Appreciative of those who have supported me thus far, I am inspired to support colleagues in my role as a Career Manager as well as previously running our Management Consulting Buddy Scheme, to help new joiners find their feet.
Looking to the future, I am excited to continue as a `woman in technology` and see where it takes me. If it doesn`t involve more flowers... perhaps it can involve chocolate!
Julia Barr | Commercial Manager | Mott MacDonald
Following a degree in Law, I spent 4.5 years in legal publishing as an editor before moving to London and taking a job as a PA at Westminster Abbey.
Family circumstances necessitated a move to Scotland and a new role as an EA at a private school, working with the senior leadership team. Seeking fresh opportunities, I joined Mott MacDonald as a programme office coordinator on a busy, £1.6Bn+ defence infrastructure programme and worked my way up to assistant project manager via a project coordination role.
A mentoring opportunity with one of our commercial directors saw me offered a new role in commercial management which was a fantastic match for my skills and experience, and I promoted within half a year of starting the role. I now lead a small team of commercial managers, working principally on defence nuclear contracts as well as civil nuclear work.
As a working mother with three children (aged 8, 5 and 1), and a husband in the military who works away from home, I am incredibly passionate about promoting the possibilities of maintaining a healthy work-life balance with fellow military family members, among whom there is a very high rate of under-utilisation and under-employment. I offer mentoring, CV and interview workshops to those looking to gain confidence and find meaningful roles.
I was delighted recently to be awarded the Military Values in Business Award at the Scottish ex-Forces in Business Awards for my success in my role and work advocating for military family members.
Millih-Aurelle Coloma | Business Analyst | BAE Systems Digital Intelligence
I am a dynamic Business Analyst with expertise in IT and technology delivery within Public Sector and Central Government organisations.
I have practical experience in user research, agile delivery and Business Analysis fundamentals. Despite being in the early stages of my career I have been successful in my delivery, earning the recognition from both external clients and internal teams. I am renowned for my work ethic, proactive mindset, and adaptability.
Despite working in the IT industry, I have a non-traditional background having studied Geography with Economics at LSE. This degree sparked my curiosity in research methods and geopolitics, which overall requires a big-picture vision. Consulting within public sector organisations has further fuelled this interest and has allowed me to adopt this holistic thinking approach in the work I have completed. This includes implementing cyber transformation and threat analysis programmes to government organisations. My experience has taught me that the decisions made, and the delivery implemented through the work I do has a wider macro impact.
Daisy Robinson | Graduate Security Consultant | BAE Systems Digital Intelligence
I joined BAE Systems Digital Intelligence in January 2023, immediately following my graduation from the University of Buckingham the previous December, with a first class BA in Security, Intelligence and Cyber.
I am currently working as a Graduate Security Consultant in the Central Government business unit.
I have always been fascinated by security studies, with a specific interest in cyber-security and I am incredibly lucky to be working for an organisation that specialises in that area.
My role at BAE Systems has allowed me to work with government clients to facilitate their growth in the cyber-security environment whilst keeping a holistic view on the essential operational capabilities of the organisation.
Ruth Guest | GP | Royal Navy
I joined the Royal Navy in 2010 at the end of my time at UEA medical school which saw me heading down to Plymouth for my initial junior doctor years before attending Britannia Royal Naval College for initial officer training.
As she ships doctor on HMS RICHMOND for 6 months I travelled as far south as South Georgia which was an amazing experience, spending time in the Falkland Islands and central America.
During my GP training I developed an interest - both personal and professional with the birth of my second child - in how the military look after our servicewomen during maternity and the post-natal period. I initiated and led project REBALANCE which contributed to national changes in practice across Defence establishing self referral into mental health services for any women in the Perinatal period along with education and awareness and continue to run sessions with military ante/postnatal groups.
Once qualified as a GP my passion for women`s health continued and have recently taken on the lead role in the Defence GP Special Interest Group for Women`s Health. I`m passionate about education around women`s health for all - running sessions for servicewomen both UK based and in deployable units, for chain of command and for medical professionals of all types.
My current job in Academic General Practice has given me the opportunity to conduct research around women`s health in the UK Armed forces leading to publication and policy change to improve the lived experience of women who serve.
Goodness Ngodigha | Programmer Analyst | Cognizant
Goodness is a ServiceNow Developer at Cognizant, Board Member at WILD digital, Master’s Degree holder in Data Science, and a public speaker. She uses her voice to advocate for Diversity and Inclusion within the digital tech industry.
Feeling lost as a new mom at the time and unfulfilled career-wise (despite being a Computer Science graduate), I embarked on the journey of finding myself and my purpose in life. That journey led me to the UK where I studied and obtained a master’s degree in data science. Highly optimistic that this would grant me the opportunity to kickstart my career in tech as a data scientist, I was met with the harsh reality of life. The struggle to land my dream job as an immigrant from Nigeria, with little to no work experience in the chosen field seemed unbearable. However, determination, hardwork, resilience and perseverance got me out of my rut.
Since breaking through in the world of technology starting out as a ServiceNow Developer, I have actively contributed to the industry by assisting clients in troubleshooting technical issues raised by their ServiceNow instance users, providing actionable resolutions to the issues raised. I have equally been involved in developing, maintaining, and enhancing applications on the ServiceNow platform. Additionally, I have represented my organisation in a panel discussion to share my experience with using the ServiceNow platform from the perspective of a junior ServiceNow developer and discuss the exciting developments happenings around IT helpdesk and Service Management in Health and Social Care.
In a way, I am grateful for all the struggles I experienced prior to kickstarting my career in tech. This is because the challenges I faced ushered me into my public speaking era. Being a passionate individual who cares so much about people, I have been fortunate to have the platform to share my journey with diverse audiences. I have had the opportunity to represent my organisation at several public facing events and internal fireside chats and panels where I have shared my story to emphasise the importance of diversity and inclusion within the digital tech industry. My advocacy for diversity and inclusion and career journey has opened doors for me and granted me a seat at the table as a Board member of WILD Digital, an organisation which was founded by two outstanding women to make the world of technology more equal and accessible to all.
I have been very fortunate to now have incredible mentors and supporters who have encouraged me, shone the spotlight on me and pushed me out of my comfort zone to unleash my potentials for excellence. I intend to continue to give back to the society by encouraging more young people, particularly women from under-represented ethnicities to pursue a career in tech and be the best version of themselves in whatever career path they choose.
Libby Patten | Broadcast Mux Specialist & Scrum Master | BT
I’m Libby, 26 and I work in the Media & Broadcast industry.
I have been working in the technology industry for over 7 years now, starting with a degree apprenticeship in Digital & Technology Solutions to currently being in a dual role as a Broadcast Mux Specialist & Scrum Master. I am responsible for managing, maintaining & leading the end-to-end product for the world’s largest & maybe most complicated Micro Serviced Platform on UK TV for Freeview channels for Digital 3&4 who are a partnership of ITV, Channel 4 and 5 for their TV services on PSB2 Multiplex. Recently we have also launched a new project for British Forces Broadcast Services (BFBS) that provides TV, live sports, radio, cinema, news, live events and much more for the HM British forces and their families all over the world. I am extremely excited for what is to come next & I hope to inspire and help as many people as I can along my journey.
Lilymae Prescott | UX Designer | Sky
Lilymae’s journey as a UX designer started at Loughborough University, where she obtained a Master’s in User Experience Design in 2021.
After graduating, she joined Publicis Sapient as a UX Designer on their graduate programme, working with clients across different industries to deliver innovative and accessible digital solutions. She is now working at Sky Sports where she is accelerating her impact through creating memorable experiences for millions of sports fans across the country.
Beyond her full time role, she has dedicated her time and skills towards a number of side projects and initiatives to drive positive impact. Her digital design work for Hazaar has helped facilitating a circular economy on university campuses through the UK’s first zero-waste student marketplace. She has also worked with the charity The Survivor Project to evolve their digital strategy to raise awareness of domestic abuse and provide meaningful and actionable support for survivors.
She also mentors young people who are at risk of becoming NEET, and actively engages in events and initiatives that aim to empower young people and women who want to pursue a role in tech. She is also a comms associate in the multi-culture network at her organisation.
Maria Tsotalou | Data Analyst | Oliver Wyman
I am a Data Scientist, with a background in Engineering and Software Development, currently working in consulting.
My passion lies in the application of analytics in the fields of Healthcare and Social Good. I am equally enthusiastic about the mathematical intricacies of a model and the tangible benefits its implementation brings.
My academic journey began with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Upon graduation, I worked as a software developer in a computational software company, where I delved into mathematical modelling. Additionally, I gained valuable knowledge working in an engineering company focused on heavy industry, further solidifying my understanding of real-world applications.
Gradually, I realized that my passion for statistics, programming, and real-world practical application could be effectively combined in data science. This led me to pursue a Master’s degree in analytics and afterwards to embark on a research-oriented degree focusing on the application of analytics in Healthcare Operations Management.
Currently, I work as a data analyst for a consulting firm, where I have the privilege of applying my knowledge and experience to highly impactful projects. This role not only allows me to contribute to meaningful work but also provides opportunities for continuous growth and skill development.
In addition to my professional pursuits, I am dedicated to giving back to the community through volunteering. I am particularly passionate about promoting equal opportunities for everyone, especially in STEM fields. When I am not immersed in data, you can find me hiking or exploring museums and art galleries, preferably abroad.
Rebecca Varley | Business Director | Zone Digtal
Becky is a rare unicorn of a Business Director, combining a creative and strong commercial and operational mind, as well as consistent pastoral care and mentorship.
A passionate storyteller her career started in the TV industry at the BBC, before relocating to Germany where she became a TV producer. Back in the UK she took on challenging roles at Endemol, her segway into the digital realm, before making the move to a Mar-tech Agency inside Coty, one of the world’s largest beauty companies. Here she set up an in-house studio producing beauty content across the digital spectrum for over 30 FMCG and Luxury brands such as Rimmel, Max Factor, Hugo Boss, Cover girl, Clairol, and GHD.
Keen to transition into Client Services, Becky embraced the chance to move to digital agency, Zone (a Cognizant company), where she was soon promoted to Business Director on one of the largest and most prestigious automotive client groups within UK&IE DX. Here she oversees work across a complex mix of digital services and solutions in a time of huge change for the industry.
Clients value her support, flexibility and high energy, impact driven approach. She encourages honest and transparent relationships focused on long term development, with her team seen as an extension of the brands they collaborate with, all working to deliver excellence today and for the future.
Much respected by her peers, Becky has been identified as a future leader with an ambition to grow and help help others do the same.